Bacan Island in North Maluku
Explore pristine reefs and encounter rare marine species
What you need to know about Bacan Island
Nestled in the heart of the Maluku Islands, Bacan Island is a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters, untouched reefs, and a rich variety of marine life, Bacan offers an unparalleled diving experience. The island's remote location ensures that its dive sites are pristine and uncrowded, providing divers with the opportunity to explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter unique species such as the rare mandarin fish and the elusive wobbegong shark.
What sets Bacan Island apart is its biodiversity. Divers can expect to see everything from macro critters to large pelagics. The reefs here are teeming with life, including colorful nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and schools of barracudas. For non-divers, Bacan Island offers lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and traditional villages to explore, making it an ideal destination for everyone.
For non-divers, Bacan Island provides a variety of exciting activities. Trek through the island's lush rainforests to discover exotic flora and fauna, visit stunning waterfalls, or explore traditional villages to experience the local culture. Bird watching is another popular activity, with the island's forests being home to a variety of unique bird species. Whether you're an adventurer or a culture enthusiast, Bacan Island has something to offer.
Interesting facts about Bacan Island
Getting there: The best way to reach Bacan Island is by liveaboard, which offers the most convenient access to its dive sites. Alternatively, you can fly to Ternate and take a ferry.
Best time to visit Bacan Island: The optimal diving season is from October to April, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) and excellent visibility.
Diving Conditions: Water depths range from 5 to 40 meters (16 to 131 feet), with generally mild currents, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Our liveaboard trips: Several of our liveaboards include Bacan Island in their itineraries, with trips typically lasting 7-10 days. These trips often also explore other top sites in the Maluku Islands.
A little known fact: Bacan Island is home to the Bacan pit viper, a unique species of snake that can only be found here. It’s an intriguing sight for nature enthusiasts visiting the island.